Versatility of the Rob Roy style sporran

[Manu]

So, I find myself building my kilt wardrobe back up from scratch, and the sporran seems to me to be important as its such a focal point of the outfit. I really like the Rob Roy style for day wear much like the ones from Freelander makes, which by the way, are they in business anymore? I couldn't find then anywhere. Anyway, these sporrans are custom made and cost a pretty penny, so before I take the plunge I wanted to gauge the level of versatility they give.

In my mind, I see these used for day wear up until smart day wear with a tweed jacket and vest, but I wouldn't wear it to an evening out with my wife to the symphony or theater. Am I correct in my assessment? What say you rabble?!

[Jock Scot]

As you are asking, to my mind the only place for that style of sporran is on a theatrical film set. I honestly don't think that that style of sporran has a place in the wardrobe of serious kilt attire, even for the most informal of informal kilt events.

[Manu]

As you are asking, to my mind the only place for that style of sporran is on a theatrical film set. I honestly don't think that that style of sporran has a place in the wardrobe of serious kilt attire, even for the most informal of informal kilt events.

Thanks for the input Jock. I often see this style worn by people attending reconnaissance fairs usually wearing some sort of costume related to that era, so I can see the relationship with the theatrical appearance. I have never seen it worn with traditional or contemporary attire, but I was thinking the rest of the outfit would give it less "costumey" appearance.

[The Wizard of BC]

Well, you have one opinion. Here is another.

At one time I was the N. America source for the Freelander sporran. To me they were the standard by which all other similar sporrans were judged.
The quality and workmanship were among the best I have ever seen.

Unfortunately I have not heard from David or Sten in over three years. Even after repeated attempts to contact them.

To bad really. I still have my Freelanders and they look as good today as they did new. They hold an amazing amount of stuff and never show it. I have seen other similar designs but few could be accessed with one hand like a Freelander.

If Hamish, the kilted legend, could own and wear one as often as he did and look that good - well, that is proof enough for me.

I would wear a Freelander over anything in fur, any day, for any event.

[Stoff]

My two cents worth. I have three Rob Roy style sporrans and one fur faced regular sporran. I made all four of them.

The fur faced sporran was my first. It has a hand tooled leather flap and two leather tassels one of which is also the draw string for an internal coin pouch.

The Rob Roys are of various levels of dressiness. One being quite plain and the other two rather dressy. One of them can be seen here with accompanying matching sporran belt and kilt belt:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...my-kilt-91502/

As you can see I rather like the Rob Roy style.

Christoph

[Panache]

I bought my Freelander about 10 years ago and it has served me well for all manner of occasions

They are a simple and handsome design, and as Steve has noted, they are quite roomy and useful. As for being costume pieces...I remember visiting my local Scottish attire shop and the proprietress (a Scot) was so impressed with it that she was quite interested about the makers and possibly carrying them (she was disappointed to find out that they were pretty exclusive in their sales)

Here are a few photos of my trusty Freelander over the years














And those Rob Roy style sporrans are rather nice in that they do work quite well for a historic costume, but certainly aren't limited to one!




Cheers

Jamie

[Brian Boru]

I like the Rob Roy style far better than the small narrow "Day Sporran" style. They just don't have the room in them. I make and wear my own sporrans in the Rob Roy style. I make them in a 2 inch and a 4 inch gusset. Mostly I wear the 4 inch one as my everyday sporran. I'm kilted all the time, (yes, to work too) and this one carries all my daily need items: wallet, keys, daily planner, coin purse, small roll up notebook, pen and a small folding pocket knife. I would say, wear the style that best fits your needs. Just my 2 pence worth.

Brian

[Liam]

As you are asking, to my mind the only place for that style of sporran is on a theatrical film set. I honestly don't think that that style of sporran has a place in the wardrobe of serious kilt attire, even for the most informal of informal kilt events.

Jock.... if I recall you have but one sporran, that you use for every occasion... so it is not surprising that you would consider one in a different style or even colour to be unnecessary.😉
Cheers

[MNlad]

As Panache has shown, the Rob Roy can be worn successfully on a variety of occasions. In addition, they can be made in variety of styles, depending on the materials used and the skill of the maker. Finally, they can't be beat for their carrying capacity.

[Jock Scot]

Jock.... if I recall you have but one sporran, that you use for every occasion... so it is not surprising that you would consider one in a different style or even colour to be unnecessary.😉
Cheers

That's absolutely true. I had quite a few patterns to choose from with assorted fur styles and many other leather patterns. Most did not impress. Why?

Traditionally fur is the most versatile choice. Provided its made of the right pattern-----most are not----then it will be perfectly acceptable for all occasions. But for me, they are high maintenance(nothing worse than a tatty fur sporran) and frankly, even as a keen shooting man, I just don't like fur sporrans any more.

The Rob Roy pattern just looks like a miniature ruck sack to me. Do people really need all that capacity? It seems some do, but I don't.

I am not a fan of those "hunting" sporrans either. Perhaps its the title that irritates, but I can see no connection to that style of sporran, kilts and hunting(horses and hounds).

So after not a little research, some 30 years ago, I plumped for the style that I did. Thus far I have had no reason to regret it.